How to install Windows 11 on Mac M1/M2

After November 2021, to install Windows 11 on an M1/M2 Mac, you'll have to download a Windows 11 on ARM preview from Microsoft. To do this, you'll need a Microsoft account registered with the Windows Insider Program. The M1/M2 Mac cannot run the Intel version of Windows 11 in Parallels.

Windows Insider Program: https://insider.windows.com/en-us/

First, you need to download and install Parallels 18 or later on your Mac. During the installation process, make sure you allow Parallels Desktop to access your Mac's Desktop, Documents, and Downloads folders to function properly.

Next, if you're running an Intel Mac, download the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft's website. On the download page, find the "Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)" section, select "Windows 11" from the drop-down menu, and click "Download".

Download Windows 11 ISO:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11

If you're using an M1/M2 Mac, you can't use the Intel (x64) version of Windows 11. Instead, you'll need to enroll in the Windows Insider Program, then download a copy of the Windows Client ARM64 Insider Preview, which will be a VHDX disk image file.

Windows Client ARM64 Insider Preview Download: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windowsinsiderpreviewARM64

 

Install Windows 11 for M1/M2 Mac

1, Once you have the OS image you need, open the Parallels application. For the M1/M2 Mac, double-click the VHDX file you just downloaded and follow Parallels' on-screen instructions to install Windows 11. Some of these steps will be similar to the Intel installation process detailed below.

On an Intel Mac, open the Setup Assistant, select "Install Windows or another operating system from a DVD or image file" and click "Continue".

 

2, Parallels will automatically locate the Windows 11 ISO on your Mac. Select it from the list and click "Continue".

3, Next, Parallels will ask you for a Windows license key. If you have one, you can enter it now. If not, uncheck "Enter a Windows license key to speed up installation" and click "Continue".or you can get a windows 11 key from keyingo Store

4, The Windows 11 ISO contains installation information for many different versions of Windows 11. Select the edition you want to install (such as "Windows 11 Home" or "Windows 11 Pro") from the drop-down menu, then click Continue.

5, Next, Parallels will ask if you plan to use Windows primarily for productivity or gaming. Choose the one that fits your needs, then click Continue.

The installation of Windows 11 will begin. Parallels handles it automatically, and you'll see the progress in a small virtual machine window on your Mac.

 

When the installation process for M1/M2 and Intel Macs is complete, you'll see an "Installation Complete" message. select "click to continue"

 

To switch to a seamless mode where you can use Windows and Mac apps side by side, focus on the Windows 11 window and choose View > Enter Coherence in the menu bar. Or you can press Ctrl+Command+C on your keyboard.

To exit Coherence mode in the future, click the Windows logo icon in the Dock and select View > Exit Coherence from the menu bar. Or you can press Ctrl+Command+C again.